[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 116 (Thursday, July 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1114-E1115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BAY CITY ON THEIR 
                           150TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANIEL T. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 2015

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing Westminster Presbyterian 
Church in Bay City, Michigan, on the occasion of their 150th 
anniversary.
   Westminster's sacred story began on August 23, 1865, when 15 members 
organized a new Presbyterian Church in the Village of Wenona. On the 
same day a cornerstone was laid for a house of worship on two lots 
donated by Henry W. Sage on Catherine St. The house of worship for 
``The First Presbyterian Society of the Township of Bangor'' was 
completed and dedicated on December 3, 1865 under the leadership of 
Missionary Donald B Campbell.
   His mission complete, Rev. Campbell left in 1868 and Rev. Elihu 
Turney Sanford became the first ordained minister of the new church. 
Westminster has been privileged to be led by a number of very capable 
leaders over the past 150 years, to include our current minister Rev. 
Matthew Schramm, who had the honor of serving as a guest chaplain for 
the U.S. House of Representatives in the summer of 2014.
   In 1872, the name of the church was changed to the ``First 
Presbyterian Church of Wenona'', and finally in 1882 to ``Westminster 
Presbyterian Church.'' Also in 1882 plans were drawn for a new worship 
facility. Once again Henry W. Sage came forward and donated four lots 
on Midland St where the church is presently located. On Christmas Day 
in 1883, the congregation worshipped in their new semi-gothic style 
church.
   In 1958, ground was broken for a new Fellowship Hall, classrooms and 
a kitchen, and in 1969 the congregation endorsed a building program for 
the existing Sanctuary with formal dedication ceremonies in September 
1970. In 2015, Westminster will begin its next 150 years with a 
campaign to update the facility for future generations.
   The congregation has been active in ministry and service for 150 
years. From working in USO activities, collecting metal for scrap 
drives, and sending care packages to servicemen during the war years, 
to hosting literacy programs for children and adults, serving free hot 
meals to those in need, and providing quality Christian education for 
all ages today, Westminster is well known in Bay City for its community 
focus. The church is proud to have been a charter organization for the 
Boy Scouts for over 50 years, and to open its doors for programs 
ranging from job training for special needs young adults to music and 
theatre rehearsal, and to provide meeting space for countless community 
organizations.
   Westminster has been a proud partner with the Good Samaritan Rescue 
Mission in Bay City since its inception. Not only has the church been 
an annual supporter during each of the mission's ten years of 
operation, it was instrumental in the construction and opening of the 
men's wing of the mission in 2008. In 2015 Westminster helped sponsor 
the mission's annual Golf Challenge Fund Raiser, which earned a near 
record $73,000 to provide a place of hope and care for the needy in and 
around Bay City.
   Westminster actively supports missions in Niger, India, Zambia, 
Thailand, and the Middle East, while also supporting disaster relief 
efforts throughout the world. Both pastors and members of the 
congregation have assumed an active role in leading the Lake Huron 
Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly.
   Through partnering with quality programs and organizations, sharing 
fellowship and service, inspiring teaching and worship, and outwardly-
focused and selfless mission, Westminster seeks to further its own 
legacy of hope and care in Bay City since 1865, and looks forward to 
the next 150 years serving God and humanity, sharing the love of Jesus 
through faith, hope and love, with an open and genuine spirit.
   Mr. Speaker, I applaud the work done by the Westminster Presbyterian 
Church in Bay City and thank them for the service they have provided to 
the community.

[[Page E1115]]



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